Quote Originally Posted by RICHARD View Post
Eye, Mark I model!

It's easy to spot, It's the brightest and fastest thing in the sky. When they are separated they dim somewhat-probably by half? But, you can pick them out from the background quickly!

I do have a telescope, a simple 600 power job that I have been able to see the phases of Venus with and other stuff, when I know where to look!

The Shuttle/ISS move way too fast to keep the telescope on them.

I do most of my quick viewing with a pair of regular binoculars, unless I have the time to set it up in the backyard.
I've got a scope, but it's not that powerful, so I don't use it much.
A normal surveyors theodolite is good for planet spotting, I did a bit of that in the army.